An Epidemic of Type 2 Diabetes in Kids

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics are calling the alarming rise of type 2 diabetes among children an epidemic.

Type 2 diabetes usually develops in middle or old age, but now pediatricians are seeing type 2 in children as young as 4. Experts warn that more children will develop type 2 as the U.S. population becomes increasingly overweight. The trend has prompted both the ADA and the American Academy of Pediatrics to publish guidelines on the prevention, treatment and diagnosis of type 2 diabetes in children in the March issues of both Diabetes Care and Pediatrics.

According to Diabetes Dateline, children who are most susceptible have some or all of the following characteristics:

Between ages 6 and 9 (according to the Diabetes Dateline); 10 or older (according to the ADA)

Female

Centrally distributed body fat (“apple-shaped” body). In an Arkansas study, 85 percent of 8- to 12-year-old type 2 African-American children had a body mass index (BMI)* of 25 or higher

No recent weight loss

No acute symptoms of hyperglycemia

A family history of type 2 diabetes

Have acanthosis nigricans (AN)-patches of brownish-black skin usually found on the back of the neck, in the armpits or on the thighs. This is usually indicative of high levels of insulin, making it type 2 diabetes rather than type 1. AN is especially common among Native Americans and less common in whites.

* The BMI is equal to a person’s body weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared.

Comments

comments

Join our e-newsletter!

Complete the form below to subscribe to our email newsletter.

First Name

Last Name

Email *

Email Consent * I give Celebrity Sites LLC permission to send me email about new products, services and special offers.

Diabetes Health Medical Disclaimer
The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained on or available through this website is for general information purposes only. Opinions expressed here are the opinions of writers, contributors, and commentators, and are not necessarily those of Diabetes Health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website.